10 Reasons Why Commercial Vehicles Need Regular Maintenance

By recognizing the significance of maintaining our personal cars and trucks, it becomes clear that commercial vehicles deserve no less attention. In fact, regular maintenance is one of the most important aspects of commercial vehicle ownership, regardless of industry use.

What Does Regular Maintenance Mean?

Let’s review some top maintenance items before we dive into the reasons regular maintenance is essential for commercial vehicles.

●Oil and filter changes — The old rule of thumb used to be every 3,000 miles, but newer engines that use either synthetic oil blends or 100% synthetic oil can be driven between 5,000 and 10,000 miles before an oil and filter change is needed. However, your vehicle manufacturer’s guidelines will offer the best advice. You can expect to need new air filters every 15,000-30,000 miles.

●Tire tread depth and pressure — Your dashboard will light up with an alert when your tire pressure is low, often a tread depth issue is not realized until a technician points it out or a vehicle is undergoing an inspection.

●Tire rotation — It’s best to rotate your tires every 5,000 miles, or as recommended by the manufacturer.

●Alignment — Potholes, bumps, and rocky terrain can impact your vehicle’s suspension alignment, which can contribute to uneven wear and tear on your tires.

The following features should also be checked regularly to avoid larger issues and safety concerns:

● Battery life

● Belts

● Brakes

● Fluid levels

● Headlights

● Hoses

● Shocks

● Spark plugs

● Turn signals

10 Reasons Why Your Commercial Vehicles Should Undergo Routine Maintenance

1. Improve safety

Safety is widely regarded as a top priority. Make sure a technician regularly checks your brake pads, and keeps an eye and feel out for any unusual noises (such as grinding) or odd sensations (such as vibrating). Failing brakes have the potential to create a major accident that endangers the life of your driver, passenger, and anyone else in the vehicle’s vicinity.

2. Save money in the long-run

The idea is that what you spend on routine maintenance will help prevent larger, more expensive problems in the future. For example, rotating your tires helps them wear more evenly, which means you don’t have to buy new ones as often. Failure to change your oil may result in the need for a completely new — and typically very expensive — engine.

3. Improve fuel economy

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, “using the manufacturer’s recommended grade of motor oil in an engine can improve fuel economy by 1%-2%.” Properly inflating your tires can improve your mileage by an average of .6% but possibly up to 3%.

4. Detect potential problems

When caught early, big, expensive problems aren’t so big and expensive. Many potential issues are noticed during routine maintenance and can be addressed promptly.

5. Extend the life of the vehicle

If you care for something properly it will last, and commercial vehicles are no exception. Here’s some helpful advice from Progressive: “Experts recommend scheduling routine maintenance for your vehicle, including annual engine cleaning to extend its life and regular car washing to prevent corrosion. Vacuuming the interior removes dirt and debris that can lead to tears in the fabric.”

6. Comply with regulations

Regular maintenance ensures that your commercial vehicles meet safety and environmental regulations, avoiding potential fines and penalties.

7. Promote your brand

Dependable companies have dependable vehicles. It’s important to maintain a brand that promotes reliability and diligence. The last thing you want is for your cargo van or truck to break down because of an issue that could have easily been avoided with proper routine maintenance.

8. Increase the value of your vehicle

A properly maintained commercial vehicle will go a long way with potential buyers if you’re looking to sell down the road. This includes keeping service records, which provide proof that you’ve taken good care of your vehicle.

9. Maintain vehicle warranty

Saving detailed records of all types of maintenance will also come in handy when it comes to your warranty. The Federal Trade Commission recommends keeping a file to track all repairs (oil changes, new brake pads, inspections — essentially everything),explaining that “if you ever have a warranty claim and it appears that you didn’t maintain your vehicle, your claim might be denied.”

10. Peace of mind

Knowing your commercial vehicles are regularly inspected and in good condition gives you peace of mind and confidence in your business operations.

When all is said and done, taking proper care of your vehicle helps ensure that it stays in excellent condition. Be meticulous and promptly schedule routine checks. This maintenance is intended to go a long way in prioritizing the safety of your driver and those around them, and in preserving the lifespan of your vehicle.

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Article Author: Dawn McQueeney

Dawn McQueeney serves as Marketing Manager at Merchants Auto. Joining in 2020, she brings with her more than 15 years of marketing experience, and originally started as a Marketing Coordinator. McQueeney has helped elevate the customer experience in the dealership showroom so that every visit is positive.